The ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is a small hummingbird that is the only breeding hummingbird in eastern North America. The adult male ruby-throat has a brilliant metallic green back and head, with a ruby red throat. Females lack the ruby throat patch. Juveniles look different from the adults, with drab gray-green overall plumage. In this article, we will explore what a juvenile ruby-throated hummingbird looks like, including its size, plumage, bill shape, and other identifying features. Keep reading to learn more about the appearance of these tiny, fascinating birds.
Plumage
The plumage (feathers) of a juvenile ruby-throat is quite different from the iridescent emerald and ruby feathers of an adult. Hatchlings start off with downy gray feathers. As they grow their first true feathers, juveniles have drab gray-green plumage on their head, back, wings, and tail. The throat and belly feathers are whitish. The plumage helps camouflage young hummingbirds while they are still in the nest and learning to fly.
Compared to adult males, the juvenile’s throat lacks the namesake ruby red gorget (throat patch). The feathers on the head and back lack the irridescent quality of the adult. From a distance, a juvenile male is almost indistinguishable from a juvenile female. Up close, some juvenile males may show a few scattered red feathers on the throat as they mature. But in general, the throats of both male and female juveniles are white.
The dull plumage helps juvenile hummingbirds blend into their surroundings to avoid predators. As they mature over their first year, the males’ throats will gradually fill in with more red iridescent feathers. Adult males also molt and regrow their irridescent green head and back feathers. Females retain the more camouflaging gray-green plumage.
Changes in Plumage
Here is a summary of the plumage changes in juvenile ruby-throated hummingbirds:
Age | Male | Female |
---|---|---|
Hatchling (nestling) | Gray downy feathers | |
Fledgling | Gray-green overall, few red throat feathers | Gray-green overall, white throat |
First year | Increasing red throat feathers | Retains gray-green plumage |
Adult | Emerald green head and back, ruby red throat | Gray-green plumage, white throat |
Size
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are the smallest birds in North America. Adults measure 2.8-3.5 inches long and weigh 2-6 grams. Juveniles are similar in size to adults. They measure approximately:
- Total length: 3 inches
- Wingspan: 3.25 inches
- Weight: 3 grams
These tiny birds have fast metabolisms and need to eat frequently to fuel their high activity levels. Their fast wing beats enable them to hover in place while feeding on flower nectar.
Bill Shape
Hummingbirds have specialized bills that are long and slender, perfectly adapted for reaching into tubular flowers. A juvenile ruby-throated hummingbird has a needle-like bill that is straight and proportionately a bit longer than an adult’s bill. The bill length is about .8 to 1 inch.
This extended bill length helps the juvenile bird feed while hovering at blossoms. As the young bird grows, the bill ratio to body size will become more proportionate. The slender bill is an essential tool for sipping nectar, and also for catching tiny insects which provide protein.
Behaviors
In their first weeks after leaving the nest, juvenile hummingbirds are learning how to fly, feed, and survive on their own. Their behaviors include:
- Practicing flying – Young hummingbirds need to build up strength in their wings. They can be seen perched and doing fluttering practice flights near the nest site.
- Following parents – Juveniles will follow and observe their mother to know where to find food sources. The mother bird leads them to flower locations.
- Feeding – Juveniles will inspect flowers and feed on nectar with their long bills. They also try catching insects.
- Hovering – It takes time to master the complex motions of hovering in place. Juveniles rapidly flap their wings as they practice this skill.
- Perching – Young hummingbirds need to rest frequently. They find protected perches to conserve their energy.
- Preeening – Juveniles will use their bills to carefully preen and align their developing feathers.
With practice, the juvenile hummingbirds quickly gain flight proficiency and the skills to feed themselves. They will continue to mature into their adult plumage over their first year.
Habitat and Range
During the breeding season, ruby-throated hummingbirds are found across eastern North America. Their habitat includes:
- Woodland edges
- Open meadows
- Parks and gardens
- Orchards
Any area with tubular flowers that provide nectar. Mature forests are less likely to be habitated by the ruby-throats.
In winter, most ruby-throated hummingbirds migrate to Central America or Mexico. However some juveniles may overwinter in the southernmost parts of their breeding range, in states like Florida and Louisiana. This suggests they are not yet physiologically ready for a long migration.
Spotting a Juvenile
Here are some tips for identifying a juvenile ruby-throated hummingbird:
- Look for a small grayish-green hummingbird, about 3 inches long.
- Check for white on throat and belly.
- Watch for a longer bill that is straight, not curved.
- Observe fluttering or clumsy flight while practicing hovering.
- Notice if the bird is following and feeding with an adult female.
- Pay attention to begging calls and chatter – juveniles are vocal when pursuing their mother.
Early fall is a good time to observe juveniles as they travel and feed to build up energy before migration. With practice, the young birds will soon master the complex flight skills that make hummingbirds such remarkable avian wonders.
Conclusion
The juvenile ruby-throated hummingbird has distinct plumage and behaviors compared to the iridescent red-throated adult male or the emerald green adult female. Key identifying features include the juvenile’s overall gray-green feathers, long straight bill, and lack of a brilliant red throat. Juveniles exhibit clumsy flight as they practice hovering and pursue their mother for food. As the young birds mature, males will gradually acquire more colorful adult plumage over their first year. Gaining an understanding of the appearance and habits of juvenile hummingbirds provides a more complete picture of ruby-throat biology and life history. Watching their early development is a rewarding experience for a bird enthusiast.